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When you use elements that aren't found in nature within your property's landscape, then this is called hardscaping. There are various examples of it. One is if you decide to use brick walls or gravel paths in your backyard or front yard.

Softscaping refers to using natural items within your landscape, and this includes plants, shrubs and trees. Do you want to proceed with a hardscaping idea? If so, then check out the tips below.

Choose The Theme It's up to you what theme you want, but try to choose something that blends in with your home's exterior. You don't want to add a bunch of random elements to your yard because it will look odd. If you have a farm design in mind, then install a fish pond and a few wooden fences, or if you want a colonial style, then use some gravel paths, stone walls and install a few fountains. If a courtyard is what you want to go with, then add some sculptures and a few stepping stones.

Focus On The Bigger Picture You might not be able to do all of the work in one day. This is why you should focus on the bigger picture and create a plan on when you will do various aspects of the project. For example, you can install a walkway one day and then a pond the following week or at a time that's most convenient for you. The key is to take your time because this is how you will complete a project that will last for a longtime to come.

Drainage Should Be Dealt With Water drains can be altered when you add elements such as a patio or a wall. If you install a flat patio, then water may seep through and turn the floor into a mini-swimming pool after a good rainstorm. What you want to do is add a little bit of a slope to the patio and use a rain barrel to save the water that runs off of it.

Experts Know A Lot Your project needs to be done properly and this means you want to prepare the site in the correct way. Surfaces need to be leveled and you'll want to know if there is a freeze line on the property. If you want to ensure you get things done the right way, then speak to an inspector at the building authority or speak to someone in the landscaping association in your region.

Follow The Curves Of Nature Straight lines in the yard don't look natural, so follow the shapes of nature's curves. Don't be afraid to include sweeps, bends and arcs in your design. This will make things look better and more natural.

Save A Little Greenery Use some shrubs and flowerbeds in your hardscape design. A small path of lawn can provide a safe place for your kids to play. Use some green rocks to give your landscape some more greenery.

Going From Grass To Gravel Use gravel instead of grass if you want to conserve water. Laying a bed of river rock is relatively easy. After you do this, add some crushed granite.

Keep the above tips in mind. They will help you with your project. Feel free to refer back to this article when you need to.

When it comes to improving your landscape, planting vegetation is one of the best options you've got to bring some life into it. However, before planting anything, it is important that you take the time to consider the plants you want in your landscape and where you want them planted. This way, it becomes easier to create a landscape that's not only low-maintenance but which will also thrive for many years.

It's common knowledge that you do not want to plant water plants in desert gardens unless you want to commit "planticide". And the same holds true for other plant types too. For instance, a majority of prairie plants will not do very well in waterlogged soil while rock garden plants may end up keeling over if they are tucked into loamy, nutrient-rich garden beds. So, how do you know which plant types will do well in your landscape? Two things will determine this - the plant and the place.

This, rather new gardening philosophy basically serves as a landscape's matchmaker, making it possible for one to place plants in spots where they will naturally flourish. The result, a landscaping design that is easy to maintain.

1. The Benefits of Following the Right Plant, Right Place Philosophy When the right plant is put in the right place, allowing it to enjoy perfect growing conditions, a couple of things will happen:

The plant establishes and grows quickly, bulking up quite fast

The plant develops a healthy root system and grows steadily to top growth

The plant develops a strong immune system capable of withstanding attacks by diseases and insects. For plants planted in the wrong place/location, their immune systems may become compromised leaving them vulnerable to attacks and infections.

The main investment you will have to make when taking on right plant, right place landscape gardening will occur before you stick your trowel into the soil. For this concept to work, planning is crucial. When you invest your time before doing any planting, you will invest lesser time maintaining your plants. You will be gardening greener and smarter saving a ton of money in the process.

2. Hardiness ZoneUSDA's Hardiness Zone discloses that if a plant can survive winter in your region, then it is a hardy plant. Most gardeners take things a bit too far when it comes to hardiness zone and growing plants from zones that are warmer. Often, they end up tucking these questionable plants in a planting bed they've placed near their home's southern wall or in a sheltered backyard where the temperatures do not fall that low during winter. To ensure the success of your plants, consider filling up your landscape with vegetation/plants that are hardy to your specific zone. Don't know much about your zone? Learn more here.

3.Inventory LightingSome plants need to be in the sun to thrive while others will only do well in the shade. You will always get the best results when you understand your landscape's lighting. To figure it out, take a day and watch where the sun hits your landscape as it travels through the sky. Ideally, do this after every hour and take note. That way, when you come across a plant that's tagged "partial shade", you will know if any parts of your landscape offer such conditions.

4. Consider Soil Different plants need different soil types to thrive. The good thing about soil is that it can be changed by adding in some amendments. For example, you can turn clay soil, a slow-draining soil type to a fast-draining, more porous soil by adding some organic matter like compost into it. At the same time, you could create a unique soil type by constructing and filling up raised beds, things that add some stylish hardscaping to the overall scene.

5. Size Things UpA plant tag tells you how large a plant will grow under the right conditions. You are, therefore, advised to plan for this and place plants accordingly. Make sure that they have ample space for spreading and lots of headspace for vertical growth. ​In the right spot, taller plants may offer privacy by creating a screen or may serve as a stunning setting for other plants. But in the wrong place, they will be an eyesore. On the other hand, smaller plants may end up being dwarfed by hardscaping or surrounding plantings, and this may lead to them disappearing from view.

When the chill of winter abates and you start seeing green as the signs of spring emerge, you know it's time to give your yard a little tender loving care. Use this checklist to make sure you get a head start on all your lawn and landscaping care.

Take a look at your bushes and trees, checking them for any winter damage or signs of disease.

Prune any damage branches, or hire a professional landscaper or arborist.

Test your soil pH if you haven't done so in a few years, making sure that it's well-balanced and has all the nutrients your plants will need. Your state agricultural extension office may do soil testing, or you could ask a professional landscaper.

Spring is an ideal time to consider weed control. By applying a pre-emergent weed control product, you can hinder or eliminate the growth of weeds like crabgrass. Looking for the perfect time to apply crabgrass killer? Watch for the forsythia to reach full bloom, and you'll know it's time.

Check over your irrigation system thoroughly for any damage or wear. When it's warm enough, turn the system on to make sure it's working properly and see if it requires maintenance. An irrigation company or landscaper can also perform this task for you.

Provide fertilizer for your lawn if needed. This is where your soil testing comes in handy, helping you decide if and when you may need to add fertilizer.

Prior to embarking on lawn fertilization, it's important to check with your local extension office and find out if your area imposes any restrictions on what kind and what amounts of fertilizers you may apply, or when you're allowed to apply them. A licensed lawn care company will be familiar with all city, state, and federal rules regarding lawn care.

Before fertilizing, find out what type of grass you have, so you can learn the best time of year to apply fertilizer for your particular type of grass. Some grasses need to be fertilized in the fall rather than the spring, and others should be fertilized in June.

Be sure that the fertilizer you choose addresses the nutrient needs of your particular soil, based on the testing you've done.

Consider the use of organic materials such as compost for some growing applications. Such natural fertilizers will help build the soil and improve its condition.

If choosing a store-bought fertilizer, it's usually ideal to use a controlled-release fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer for optimum absorption. This avoids loss of nutrients to the environment as well.

When applying commercial fertilizer, it's crucial to know what size your lawn is, and follow the directions exactly. More is definitely not better when it comes to your lawn too much fertilizer can damage your lawn. Even if it doesn't, it's a waste of money to over-fertilize. Using too little is also not desirable, as you'll likely be disappointed with the results, and may lead to soil erosion or soil runoff.

Don't forget your bushes and trees! All plants, whether it's grass, trees, lawn, or your garden, can be helped with the proper slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer prior to laying down your mulch.

Clean up your planting beds by tearing out old annuals and weeds, and rake out any leaves or other garden debris. When the bed is clear, use an edging tool to create neat borders around the beds for a clean look.

To keep roots moist and protected and to add a neat appearance to your garden or landscaping, add an inch-deep layer of mulch around your trees and in your plant beds. Keep the mulch away from the tree trunks to prevent rot.

Over time, the mulch will break down and become part of the soil. You may need to add more mulch over the years. Make sure the mulch layer never builds up to more than three inches deep.

By performing these springtime tasks (or having a landscaping company perform them for you), you'll keep your lawn, garden and landscaping in top shape, and have a yard that your neighbors will envy all summer long.